The National Hurricane Center in Miami warned of the danger posed by Hurricane "Idalia," which is expected to be the fourth-largest hurricane to hit Florida in the past seven years.

It issued its warning to most of Florida's 21 million residents, as well as to residents of Georgia and South Carolina.

It is noted that Hurricane Idalia intensified over the Gulf of Mexico on its way to the Gulf Coast of Florida, forcing authorities to evacuate residents in low-lying coastal areas expected to receive heavy rainfall when the hurricane strikes today, Wednesday, August 30, 2023.

The National Hurricane Center reported that the maximum wind speed of Idalia reached 169 kilometers per hour early Tuesday evening and will increase in intensity before making landfall.

It is also expected that the hurricane's intensity will rise by that time to Category Three on the Saffir-Simpson scale, which consists of five categories.

A Category Three hurricane is classified as a major hurricane, characterized by sustained winds of at least 179 kilometers per hour.

However, the most dangerous feature of Hurricane Idalia appears to be the massive waves expected to be driven by the strong winds toward the islands and low-lying coastal areas.

For his part, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents in low-lying areas to heed evacuation orders to higher ground, warning that the intensification of the storm could cause life-threatening flooding.

Hurricane and tropical storm warnings, as well as high wind warnings, were issued for most of Florida's 21 million residents, as well as for many in Georgia and South Carolina. Emergency declarations were made in all three states.